Are you planning to visit Sayulita in Mexico?
A coastal town that lies in the shade of its southern neighbour Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a lovely Mexican paradise. Once a fishing village, Sayulita is now a popular hippy town, especially for surfers. Sayulita is the vibrant heart of the small state of Nayarit on the Pacific Ocean coastline of Mexico.
Full of charm, colourful Sayulita will welcome you with open arms. Officially known as one of the (pueblos magicos) magical towns in Mexico, Sayulita truly deserves this title.
The stunning beaches are what make Sayulita. The laid-back atmosphere of Sayulita is home to various yoga retreats as well.
Sayulita shines with lovely restaurants and artistic glory. Here are our suggestions for top things to do in Sayulita on your next visit.
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Map of Sayulita
Top Things To Do in Sayulita, Mexico
Free things to do in Sayulita – Visit Sayulita’s Beaches
Sayulita has several attractive beaches, so don’t hesitate—it’s all about the beach here. These are the most beautiful beaches in Riviera Nayarit and probably in Mexico. That’s why you should not miss visiting some of them.
Playa Sayulita (Main Beach)
Sayulita Beach has a vibrant atmosphere, although it can sometimes be busy. Many surf schools are on the beach, and it’s a wonderful place to learn to surf. It’s also a lovely beach to rest, especially if you’re taking a day trip from Puerto Vallarta.
With many hidden beaches around, you will surely want to discover the most heavenly spot.
Playa Los Muertos
Playa Los Muertos, or the Beach of the Dead, probably has this name because there’s a cemetery behind it. It’s pretty colourful, though, and the beach is just delightful.
This small beach stands in the shade of a rock cave, and often, it’s busy. That’s why the waters are so calm.
Several food stalls are a substitute for the lack of restaurants and bars. Enjoy the best of local seafood here!
Playa Carricitos
Playa Carricitos looks simply fabulous and often tends to be empty. It is 40 minutes by foot from central Sayulita, and the path to it goes through the jungle.
Playa Carricitos is a stunning place to watch the sunsets southwest of Sayulita. The waves tend to be pretty strong, so it’s not the most appropriate place for swimming. There are no services here, so bring your own snacks and water.
Playa Malpaso
Playa Malpaso stretches beside the lovely Playa Las Cuevas (Cave Beach). While Playa Las Cuevas has an adorable allure due to the rock shelter, Playa Malpaso is much larger and very tranquil.
It takes about 40 minutes to reach Playa Malpaso from Sayulita, a pleasant walk along the shore.
San Pancho Beach
San Pancho is a beautiful beach in the little town of the same name. Though it can be busy, it’s pretty tranquil and very safe. Officially named San Francisco, San Pancho lies only 7 km north of Sayulita. It is a hidden gem with a wonderful range of restaurants.
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Can you take surfing lessons in Sayulita? (A fun Sayulita activity)
Sayulita is a perfect place to learn to surf and discover a new adventure. The waves are adequate for beginners, so why not take the opportunity?
One of the best surf schools belongs to Chilo, who knows the local beaches pretty well.
La Lancha beach is 10 km from Sayulita and is perfect for surfing. Surfing makes Sayulita so popular and is a significant reason to discover the town.
You can book a private surfing lesson at La Lancha here:
“Highlights of the tour” are:
- Experience the exhilaration of riding the waves on a high-quality surfboard
- Enhance your surfing skills with the guidance of ISA-certified instructors
- Soak up the beauty of the golden sands at La Lancha beach in Punta Mita
- Protect yourself with gear like a rash guard, surf booties, and a neoprene top
- Enjoy the convenience of an air-conditioned transfer from the shop in Sayulita
Discover the artistic scene of Sayulita
Sayulita is pretty colourful and bursts with adorable decorations at almost every corner. The most attention deserves the wonderful Calle Delfines, the flag street full of restaurants that leads to Sayulita Beach.
The panorama of art galleries in Sayulita is charming, and most represent Huichol art. This branch belongs to Huichol Indians who live in the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Zacatecas, and Durango. Jewellery with colourful beads became the most popular. Handmade pottery, textiles, and paintings fill the cute shops and galleries.
Cory Jacobs Gallery is a lovely palette representing Sayulita’s authentic spirit.
Address: Av. Revolución 52, Centro, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
The excellent Plaza Principal is a place to catch the colours and take a photo with the Sayulita sign. Many events happen here, with lots of fun and food stalls.
Enjoy the local cuisine of Sayulita
Among the many restaurants in Sayulita, healthy choices emphasize the lifestyle of this lovely town.
Juices and smoothies are popular, so why not refresh yourself whilst relaxing on the beach in Sayulita?
Here are some of the best restaurants in Sayulita:
Atico Swing Bar has a fantastic atmosphere, especially for music at night. Atico delights in amazing breakfast options. Enjoy the vibe on one of their swing chairs.
Address: 33 Jose Marical Sayulita
The best Mexican street food is Tacos. You should definitely try Al Pastor tacos made from marinated pork. To enjoy a wonderful picnic near the beach, head to Naty’s kitchen and order a takeaway of tacos and other delicious Mexican dishes.
Address: Calle Marlin #13 Sayulita
Vegan and vegetarian options in Sayulita
Yah-Yah is the place to enjoy delicious coffee, amazing sandwiches and bowls.
Address: Ninos Heroes 4 Centro Sayulita
Veggie Land supports the local farmers in serving traditional Mexican food.
Address: Manuel Rodriguez Sanchez 14 Sayulita
La Esperanza is a cheerful place with vibrant colours that focuses on organic food.
Address: C. Jose Mariscal 12A Sayulita
Tierra Viva is a seafood restaurant that highlights vegetarian options like avocado paninis or vegetarian fajitas.
Address: C Marlin 10 Zona Cento Sayulita
If you’re in the mood for pizza, try the stunning La Rustica restaurant.
Address: Av Revolucion 40C Centro Sayulita
Shopping in Sayulita
Even if you don’t buy anything, strolling around Sayulita’s shops is wonderful. Handmade crafts can be the perfect gifts, and Sayulita combines many styles.
Boho shops and their allure will inspire you with Huichol art and a cheerful spirit. Evoke The Spirit stands out with its ceramics, textiles and home decor.
Address: #12B Marling Street, downtown Sayulita.
The hippy market of Sayulita is a treasure that bursts with affordable prices. It’s located near the baseball stadium before entering Sayulita. Besides admiring the local art, you can buy adorable jewellery, blankets, toys and other stuff.
Hiking in Sayulita to Monkey Mountain
Embraced by mountains, Sayulita offers breathtaking views of the beaches. One of the most popular hikes is Monkey Mountain, which takes about 3-4 hours. Due to the heat, the morning is the time to start, but sunset offers a fabulous experience.
The starting point should be on Calle Playa Patzcuaro, 4,5 km from the town. The hike is not challenging by itself.
Visit Islas Marietas (A Sayulita Hidden Gem)
Marietas Islands National Park is located at the north end of Bahia de Banderas, a short distance from Punta Mita.
Hidden Beach is located in the middle of one of the Marietas Islands. This protected area is only reachable by boat tour. The entrance is not free, but snorkelers and scuba divers enjoy it.
You can reach Hidden Beach by speedboat from Puerta Vallarta where you must swim in against the currents through a sea cave.
Final thoughts about Sayulita
The colourfulness of Sayulita is attractive by itself. There’s so much to discover that this town deserves more than a day trip from Puerto Vallarta.
Its cheerfulness is so seductive, and Sayulita can guarantee a pleasant stay.
Sayulita is more than a surfing place, though it’s a common reason to visit.
With plenty of beaches to discover, Sayulita is a delightful vacation spot—even the Sayulita beach surprises with its laid-back atmosphere.
This article was written by Gabi Zec a travel enthusiast from Croatia, a poetic soul passionate about writing.
General Information on Visiting Sayulita
FAQ’s
What is the closest airport to Sayulita?
The closest airport to Sayulita is Puerta Vallarta International Airport. Sayulita lies 36 km north of Puerta Vallarta. Flights to Sayulita are available from Mexico, USA and some European destinations.
How to get to Sayulita from Puerta Vallarta?
You can book a transfer from Puerta Vallarta to Sayulita.
The journey is 41 km, and the approximate driving time is 1.15 hours.
Uber is available.
Bus to Sayulita?
There is a public bus available; read on for more details.
Is Sayulita safe?
Sayulita is safe, but when you travel, keep your passports and money secure and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Where are the best places to stay in Sayulita?
The best areas to stay in Sayulita are North End, South End and Downtown.
Hotels in Sayulita MX
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Conclusion:
Sayulita, Mexico, is a vibrant beach town offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. From surfing its famous waves and exploring hidden beaches to strolling through colourful streets filled with artisan shops and sampling delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, laid-back beach vibes, or a taste of authentic Mexican charm, Sayulita is a must-visit destination that promises unforgettable experiences. We hope you enjoyed our top things to do in Sayulita.
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